State approves tougher teacher evaluations

(AP) - New York's Board of Regents has adopted atougher teacher evaluation system that includes greater reliance onstudent performance in standardized tests.

The proposal amended with Gov. Andrew Cuomo's recommendations onFriday prompted the powerful New York State United Teachers unionto break off its cooperative relationship with the state EducationDepartment.

The evaluations that could be in place this year would replaceseniority in determining which teachers face layoffs.

Richard Iannuzzi of the New York State UnitedTeachers union says the Cuomo proposals backed by state schoolsChancellor Merryl Tisch on Friday will hurt education as well asteachers.

NYSUT had agreed to the Regents' proposal before Cuomo'sadditions.

Now NYSUT says Monday it is considering a legal fight to blockthe plan.